Charity hunts for owners of miracle cat who survived road accident

Grace Newton

An animal charity is hoping to reunite a cat who suffered horrific injuries in a car accident with his owners in time for Christmas.

Declan narrowly avoided losing his leg after being hit by a vehicle on Netherland Road in Guiseley, but a course of intensive physiotherapy and an attentive foster carer have seen him on the road to a full recovery.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue will now put the black feline, who was not microchipped, up for adoption unless his original owners recognise him and come forward.

He was taken to Holly House Veterinary Hospital in Roundhay, and underwent emergency surgery of a fractured hip and jaw. He was first thought to have lost the function in one of his back legs and faced amputation, before vets decided that rehabilitation could save the limb.

The charity sent Declan to foster carer Nicola Spence to help bring his mobility back. She now gives him massages four times a day.

“It has been tough for both of us and he has been rather cross with me at times when we first began his treatment programme, but now that we are starting to see the results everyone’s spirits are picking up,” she said.

“It is really tough for a cat to be confined to a cage all day long; they need lots of attention and that, in turn, builds a very special bond. Declan has a fighting spirit, but he is also a real softie. Having cared for cats with severe injuries before, I knew how attached you get to them. I’m investing every spare hour I have into his rehabilitation - he still has a long way to go.”

To donate to the charity - which spent over £1,500 on treatment for Declan - visit